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Careers at the Tampa Police Department

Careers at the Tampa Police Department

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Thinking about a career in law enforcement? A professional career in law enforcement awaits you in Tampa, Florida.

Since the City of Tampa established its first municipal police department in 1887, the Tampa Police Department has been proud of its many accomplishments in the prevention and reduction of crime, as well as its accomplishments to the community. The department is regularly evaluated by national accreditation organizations. Compliance with accreditation standards affirms that the Tampa Police Department is recognized as representing the very best in current law enforcement practices.

Newly employed Police Officers are assigned to a four month comprehensive field training program. This work/training environment develops job confidence and expertise under the direction of qualified Training Officers.

The Tampa Police Department has nearly 1,000 authorized sworn law enforcement personnel positions, and more than 350 civilian and support staff personnel positions.

Go back and see Rookie Officer John Sitton's journey through the intense field training process at the Tampa Police Department

Most FAQ's

Q: What is your Tattoo Policy?

A: No tattoo or decal or any portion thereof shall be visible to the public on sworn personnel wearing the long-sleeve uniform.

Q: What is the PAT?

A: The Tampa Police Department uses the FDLE approved physical agility course. In general terms, it is an obstacle type course with segments of running, climbing over and under objects, a 100 lb. dummy drag, hand dexterity drills and serpentining through cones.

Q: What do I need to do to get certified in Law Enforcement?

A: If you have no prior military or law enforcement experience you will need to attend a Police Academy in the State of Florida. Hillsborough Community College, St. Petersburg Junior College and Pasco-Hernando State College all offer a full time and part-time academy in the Tampa Bay area.

Q: Do you sponsor people in the Police Academy?

A: The Tampa Police Department does not sponsor candidates through the academy. We do however offer scholarships once a year to 12-15 candidates. If selected, the Tampa Police Department would pay for your tuition and fees. No stipend is given as you are not a City of Tampa employee until you are sworn in. The application process usually opens January 1st of each year. When it’s open, it will be posted on our website at Tampagov.net.

Q: Do I have to complete the full academy if I was a Police Officer in the Military?

Q: Do I have to complete the full academy if I have a Law Enforcement Certification from another state?

A: If you were an Officer in the state in which you finished the Police Academy for at least one full year, you may qualify to complete a two week equivalency of training course in Florida. Contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 850/410-8600 or visit the website for information on the Equivalency of Training process.

Q: Would I get credit for my prior law enforcement experience?

A: Yes. New hires having previous full time sworn law enforcement experience, accumulated within the four year period prior to hiring date may be eligible to start at a higher paygrade.

Less than two years previous full time sworn law enforcement experience will start at the first step of their particular classification.

Two years or more, but less than four years will start at the second step.

Four years or more previous experience will start at a step three.

You may buy up to five years of previous experience into our pension plan. Cost is dependent on several factors that are determined by the pension office.

Q: How long does the hiring process take?

A: The entire hiring process generally takes 3-6 months, which is dependent on several factors, including how quickly our inquiries are answered by your previous employers, personal references and neighbors.

Q: Do you have a minimum education requirement?

A: Possession of an Associate’s Degree or completion of 2 years of college coursework from an accredited college or university (60-semester or 90-quarter hours) OR High-school diploma and three (3) years of prior law enforcement or corrections experience at a department of medium-to-large size OR High-school diploma and three (3) years of full-time, active military experience OR High-school diploma and five (5) years of experience as a member of the Tampa Police Department Reserve Force OR An equivalent combination of college education, related work experience, or TPD Reserve Force experience.